By ADRIAN STEWART CO
Kean Baclaan delivered timely baskets in the endgame as the National University (NU) Bulldogs scored a 64-61 victory over the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors in the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Wednesday, October 25.
The Muntinlupa City-native point guard converted back-to-back shots — a layup and a three-pointer — to make a 57-61 deficit into a 62-61 advantage with 2:30 left in the fourth quarter.
The Red Warriors had multiple opportunities to take the lead, but Ethan Galang and Precious Momowei missed their shots before NU’s Jake Figueroa made insurance-free throws with 5.3 seconds left.
Baclaan top-scored for the Bulldogs with 18 points and five rebounds, while Figueroa chipped in 12 markers as they tied the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons on top with a 7-1 win-loss record.
Rey Remogat tallied 18 points, eight steals, seven rebounds, and seven assists, while Precious Momowei had a double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds as the Red Warriors dropped to 2-6.
Meanwhile, L-Jay Gonzales drilled a buzzer-beating game-winning triple as the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws scored a repeat victory over the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles, 62-59.
Following an inbound turnover by the Blue Eagles with 3.9 seconds left, Gonzales received the inbound pass from FEU teammate Xyrus Torres at the top of the arc. He then evaded Chris Koon by leaning in, and threw a one-handed three-pointer for the win.
Gonzales finished the game with 19 points, with 10 coming in the second half, to go with nine rebounds, five assists and four steals, while Patrick Sleat and Jorick Bautista added 12 and 10, respectively, as the Tamaraws improved to a 3-5 slate.
“Miracle ‘yung nangyari. Hindi ko naman inaasahan na papasok ‘yun eh. Nagpapasalamat ako kay God kasi ginabayan niya ako,” Gonzales said.
“Lagi naman nire-remind sa akin ni coach Denok na ako ‘yung titira sa last shot, kaya naging ready lang ako,” he added.
Chris Koon top-scored for the defending champion Blue Eagles with 14 points, while rookie Mason Amos added 11 markers. They dropped to a 4-4 win-loss slate in fourth place.
NU 64 — Baclaan 18, Figueroa 12, Yu 9, Palacielo 7, Enriquez 5, Malonzo 4, Lim 3, Manansala 2, John 2, Casinillo 1, Parks 1, Delos Reyes 0, Gulapa 0, Jumamoy 0.
UE 61 — Remogat 18, Momowei 15, Sawat 8, Cruz-Dumont 7, Lingolingo 3, Galang 3, Alcantara 3, Maglupay 2, Tulabut 2, Fikes 0, Spandonis 0, Gilbuena 0, Langit 0.
Quarterscores: 20-12, 38-30, 50-48, 64-61./ASC, WDJ